NEW YORK CITY

Discover our favourite hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do in New York City right now.

Updated Summer 2017

This insider's city guide has been a long time in the making. We've eaten in countless New York restaurants, dined in the best local eateries and visited the latest hotspots. We've also asked the most discerning locals we know to share their favourite hangouts – whether brand new or classic institutions. We bring you our hand-picked selection of our favourite places in New York's Manhattan right now.

HOTELS

| NEW YORK |

Whether you're looking for the ultimate design hotel, a cosy boutique hotel, or an ultra-cool apartment, here is our pick of the best places to stay in New York.

1. SoHo Chic ...

CROSBY STREET HOTEL

A former SoHo concrete car park has been transformed into one of New York’s most stylish hotels ...

Oozing Kit Kemp's signature modern take on contemporary English style, The Crosby Hotel has quickly become one of the jet-set crowd’s favourite places to stay in New York. Boasting a killer location in the fashionable SoHo district, the hotel features 86 luxurious rooms and suites, a light-filled lobby with museum-worthy art pieces, a colourful ground floor restaurant and private lounge bar, and you'll even find an organic rooftop kitchen garden which is regularly raided by the hotel's chef. The Crosby also offers a luxurious private cinema which is an industry favourite setting for intimate film screenings. $$$$

2. Sophisticated Haven ...

NEW YORK EDITION

Overlooking Madison Square Park in New York's Flatiron District, the New York Edition fuses the classic opulence of a 1909 landmark building with a sophisticated hotel experience by legendary hotelier, Ian Schrager. Set beneath a historic 41-story clock tower, the hotel's 273 guest rooms will make you feel as though you've been invited to stay at your designer friend's private apartment for the night, featuring a wealth of luxe amenities and oversized windows showcasing stunning views of the New York skyline – including of the nearby Empire State Building. Make sure to dine at top British chef Jason Atherton's chic Clocktower restaurant while you're there. $$$

3. Business Trips...

PARK HYATT NEW YORK

Discover the signature personalised hospitality of the Park Hyatt New York ...

With luxurious living spaces, flawless service and all of the modern comforts you could possibly wish for, the 5-star Park Hyatt New York is one of the city's most exclusive hotel addresses. Situated on the cusp of Central Park, the Park Hyatt New York boasts an all-star line up of designers – including world-renowned architect, Christian de Portzamparc and suites by famous designer Yabu Pushelberg. You'll also find a divine indoor swimming pool, chic dining and lounge bars, and the luxurious Spa Nalai – the perfect haven for a rejuvenating spa treatment. $$$

4. Celebrity Hideaway ...

THE GREENWICH

An understated luxury boutique haven in New York's artistic Tribeca district ...

Robert de Niro's 88-room luxury hotel, The Greenwich, offers the sort of welcome that you can expect at a lavish, private family home. And what a home it is, decorated with rustic hand-crafted furnishings and a beautiful art collection – painted by none other than De Niro’s father. No two rooms are the same and exude the actor's tasteful, masculine design influence. For the ultimate indulgence, upgrade to a glamorous penthouse suite with soaring high ceilings and sumptuous stone fireplaces. Relax and unwind at the Shibui Spa, chill in the cosy Drawing Room lounge, then dine in the buzzing Locanda Verde restaurant by acclaimed chef, Andrew Carmellini. $$$

6. Williamsburg Cool...

THE WILLIAM VALE

Brooklyn's hipster haven, Williamsburg has a hip new hotel address – the William Vale Hotel, offering stylish New York accommodation surrounded by Vale Park, a lush 15,000 square-foot promenade in Brooklyn. By day, lounge by the longest swimming pool in New York before lingering over the southern Italian cuisine of celebrated chef Andrew Carmellini at Leuca, where wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta are served in luminous wood-clad setting. The William Vale’s futuristic rooms features large private balconies and breathtaking views. Make sure to sip a cocktail at Westlight, the William Vale’s 20th-floor rooftop lounge. $$

7. Lower Manhattan Chic...

THE BEEKMAN

A 19th-century landmark has been transformed into one of Lower Manhattan's most luxurious hotels ...

Showcasing an astounding nine-storey atrium where Victorian wrought-iron balustrades soar upwards to a huge pyramidal skylight, The Beekman is a recently-opened New York hotel which features designer Martin Brudnizki’s trademark sense of playful modernism. You'll also find two hot restaurants: legendary New York restaurateur Keith McNally’s classic brasserie, Augustine; and top American chef Tom Colicchio’s Fowler and Wells. Make sure to visit the Bar Room for craft cocktails beneath the stunning central atrium. $$$

8. Cosy SoHo Retreat ...

THE BROOME

An elegant pied-à-terre in the heart of SoHo ...

With the air of a chic Parisian guesthouse, The Broome offers a peaceful retreat for those in search of a New York home-away-from-home. Natural light pours into the hotel's open-air central atrium, where a handful of bistro-style tables and cosy sofas invite you to relax over a morning coffee and a complimentary farm-to-table breakfast. With only 14 rooms spread across five floors, The Broome exudes an exclusive ambiance with warm, highly-personalised service. SoHo’s trendiest restaurants, bars and boutiques are also within close walking distance. $$$

9. Affordable Stay in Times Square ...

CITIZENM

Enjoy stylish modern interiors and high-tech amenities at this affordable Times Square hotel ...

This funky hotel offers cosy yet comfortable accommodation only a stone's throw away from Times Square. The hotel's vibrant communal living spaces are filled with a mix of creatives, business travellers and tourists looking to stay on the doorstep of New York's most iconic sights. Book directly through their website for the lowest room rates. $$

Average Price of a Double Room: $ = Around $200 or less; $$ = Around $300; $$$ = > $400

RESTAURANTS

| NEW YORK |

Whether you're looking for a fabulous foodie dining spot, the city's best trattoria, or a see-and-be-seen dining spot, here is our pick of the best places to eat in New York right now.

1. Wow Factor! ...

ELEVEN MADISON PARK

Meet the World's Number One Best Restaurant in 2017 ...

Awarded 3 Michelin stars and the highly coveted top position on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2017, Eleven Madison Park has long been one of New York’s hottest reservations. Co-owners chef Daniel Humm and restaurateur Will Guidara are the talented duo behind this playful culinary address, which seeks to break down the barriers between the kitchen and the dining room to deliver a simply unforgettable gastronomy dining experience. While the restaurant will close for renovations from June until September 2017, Humm and Guidara will be delighting foodies at their pop-up restaurant in The Hamptons this summer. Expect an 11-course tasting ‘Retrospective’ menu which will celebrate Eleven Madison Park’s most iconic recipes since opening eleven years ago.

2. Chic & Seductive...

LE COUCOU

Classic French cuisine in a sophisticated dining setting in Little Italy ...

After earning critical acclaim for his two Paris-based restaurants (Spring & La Bourse et La Vie), talented American chef Daniel Rose has joined forces with top American restaurateur, Stephen Starr to bring fine French dining to New York’s Little Italy district. Timelessly chic in rough stone and wood, Le Coucou’s lofty spaces are romantically lit by elaborate chandeliers, an intimate setting for Rose’s superb menu of classic French dishes. In the open kitchen, the chef can be seen styling beautiful plates of duck with cherries and foie gras, Dover sole with chanterelles, or the French bistro classic, pig’s ears. $$$

3. Modern Mexican Cuisine...

COSME

Discover one of our all-time foodie favourite dining spots in New York ...

With sophisticated, low-lit interiors and a soul-satisfying menu of contemporary Mexican-inspired cuisine, world-renowned chef Enrique Olvera's smash-hit Cosme restaurant offers one of our favourite dining experiences in New York. Cosme's creative menu features dishes rooted in Mexican flavours and traditions, while also celebrating local and seasonal ingredients from the Hudson Valley region. It's best to feast upon a wide selection of dishes such as duck enchiladas with red mole, or sliced raw fish with finger lime and avocado, complimented by Cosme's excellent selection of artisanal Mexican spirits. $$

4. Foodie Hotspots...

WILDAIR

Two hip, foodie dining spots in the Lower East Side (LES) district ...

When chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hauske opened Contra, New York foodies were soon rushing to savour the chef’s inventive six-course tasting menu, featuring dishes such as “crab, black trumpet, sabayon”, and “monkfish, potato, saffron”. The duo went on to open Wildair just two doors down, styled as a relaxed wine bar with a European spin. Wildair invites you to pull up a stool and catch up with friends over a glass of natural Gamay wine or a Mezcal Negroni, accompanied by delicious plates of sweet potato with ricotta and tahini, or beef tartare with smoked cheddar and chestnut. $$

5. Hot Brooklyn Dining…

LILIA

With a reputation as one of Obama’s favourite chefs, Missy Robbins brings her renowned Italian cuisine to a former auto garage in Brooklyn, where her soul-satisfying pasta dishes are making waves on New York’s dining scene. While the wood-burning grill turns out flavoursome grilled swordfish marinated with sweet and hot peppers and succulent veal flank steak with basil, Robbins’ signature pasta dishes steal the show with cloud-like ricotta gnocchi, squash-filled ravioli, and fettuccine with spicy lamb sausage. Before dining, perch at the chic bar with a sparkling glass of Prosecco and savour some sweet Sicilian olives or homemade mozzarella. $$

6. New Nordic Cuisine…

AGERN

Having co-founded Copenhagen's world famous Noma Restaurant, restaurateur ClausMeyer now brings New Nordic cuisine to New York, along with a crack team including Icelandic star chef, Gunnar Gíslason. Nestled in a hidden nook of Grand Central Terminal, this chic Scandinavian dining room features clean lines, pale woods and charcoal greys. Blending New Nordic culinary techniques with meticulously sourced local produce, Agern invites you on a multi-course culinary adventure with two exciting tasting menus – "Field + Forest", or "Land + Sea", and an à la carte menu featuring dishes such as beef heart with green garlic, asparagus and green strawberry. $$$

7. Hip Foodie Gems…

CAFE ALTRO PARADISOESTELAFLORA BAR

Chef Ignacio Mattos is the talented young chef behind the smash-hit Estela restaurant in New York's NoLita district, who followed with Cafe Altro Paradiso in the Soho district, then more recently with Flora Bar in The Met Breuer in the Upper East Side. Estela delivers Mediterranean-inspired flavours with a bold, New York-style twist; Cafe Altro Paradiso serves a soul-satisfying Italian menu with a killer wine list; while the stylish Flora Bar presents a creative seafood- and vegetable-focused menu – stop by for a meal after visiting The Met Museum, followed by coffee and cakes at sister cafe, Flora Coffee. $$

8. Local Institution …

MOMOFUKU

Modern Asian cuisine at the hands of chef David Chang ...

With multiple award-winning restaurants in New York, chef David Chang has pioneered a new wave of sophisticated yet casual Asian fusion cuisine at his Momofuku chain of restaurants. Expect a delicious menu of ramen noodle soups, slider-size sandwiches, and fusion-style dumplings in a relaxed, simple cafeteria counter-top style setting. €€

11. Out-of-Town …

BLUE HILL AT STONE BARNS

One of America’s finest gastronomic experiences awaits 30 miles north of New York ...

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Pocantico Hills, Blue Hill at Stone Barns is the haven of award-winning chef, Dan Barber, who harnesses the freshest flavours of the season at this 80-acre working farm. The former milking barn of the Rockefeller estate is where Barber presents his ‘Grazing, Pecking and Rooting’ tasting menu, where the farm’s freshly grown produce steals the show during this +30-course extravaganza. A selection of courses are presented in various locations around the farm – from the bustling kitchens, to the tranquil terrace and the composting shed. Ranked amongst the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Blue Hill at Stone Barn's unpretentious attitude often sees Barber arrive to personally present the next course. $$$

Average Price of a Main Meal: $ = Less than $10; $$ = Around $20; $$$ = More than $30

NIGHTLIFE

| NEW YORK |

Whether you're looking for the perfect cocktail, the city's best wine bar, or a late-night club, here is our pick of the best places to drink and party in New York right now.

1. Low-lit Seduction ...

THE NOMAD

One of New York's most seductive cocktail and lounge bars ...

The NoMad Hotel spoils its guests with a seductive mix of glamorous lounge bar spaces. Make sure to visit The Library, an impressive two-level setting with beautifully lit, dark wooden floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, along with the intimate Fireplace, The Elephant Bar and The Nomad Bar.

2. Glamorous Lounge Bar...

THE TOP OF THE STANDARD

One of New York’s most glamorous lounge bars, The Top of the Standard is touted as the post-millennium Studio 54. Expect sweeping views of Manhattan, gold interiors and potent cocktails at this fashionable late-night den nestled on the top floor of The Standard Hotel. Party late at Le Bain, the resident disco-nightclub also located in The Standard Hotel. $$$

3. Mythical Cocktail Bars: Downtown ...

DEATH & COMPANY

Death & Company exudes an urban sensuality with a dark-and-moody, contemporary yet sophisticated atmosphere. It’s dark. It’s seductive. Its expertly crafted cocktails take mixology to the next level. Slowly work your way through their menu of creations such as the smoky, fragrant Oaxaca Old Fashioned.

PDT

Walk inside a deep-fried hot dog shop, step within a wooden phone booth, pick up the phone and then hope and pray that a secret door within the phone booth will open to reveal an intimate, private cocktail bar inside. PDT (Please Don’t Tell) requires one to go beyond the call of duty in the name of sipping a seriously good cocktail.

5. Award-Winning Cocktails ...

LEYENDA

A mixology dream team lies behind Leyenda, where Clover Club’s Julie Reiner joins Ivy Mix – 2016’s Best American Bartender – to create a relaxed tropical hideaway in Brooklyn. Behind the rustic wood-topped bar, Mix lives up to her name as she crafts a tightly-curated menu of exquisite cocktail concoctions. Try the Moontower – a heady mix of Trinidadian pineapple & Jamaican rums, verjus and lime oils – while sitting on the leafy patio, or inside beneath the pressed-tin ceilings. $$

7. Financial District Den ...

THE DEAD RABBIT

An award-winning cocktail bar and Irish pub in New York's Financial District ...

Crowned the World's Best Bar in 2015 & 2016, The Dead Rabbit exudes the conviviality of Old New York and its Irish-American traditions. Start the evening with an excellent craft beer in the downstairs Taproom, before heading upstairs to the cosy Parlor for expertly-mixed cocktails crafted by some of the world's leading mixologists. $$

8. Best Cocktail Bars: Brooklyn ...

MAISON PREMIERE

HOTEL DELMANO

9. Rooftop Views ...

230 5TH

Discover dazzling views from the largest open-air rooftop lounge in New York ...

If you ever dreamed of sipping cocktails on a New York rooftop while soaking in the breathtaking views, then look no further than 230 5th lounge bar. Beyond the bar’s lush palm trees and stylish guests, iconic urban vistas showcase uninterrupted views of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings. Arrive at sunset and watch the city lights sparkle to life with an Old Fashioned cocktail while perched on plush low-slung couch, then groove to DJ sets in the Penthouse Lounge where a funky Studio 54 vibe holds sway. $$

Average Price of a Drink: € = Less than €10; €€ = Around €20; €€€ = More than €30

SEE + DO

| MANHATTAN |

Don't miss these incredible New York museums, cultural landmarks and local experiences.

Iconic Landmarks ...

Enjoy the best panoramic views in New York at the Empire State Building – the tallest and most famous building in New York which soars over 102 floors – and the Rockerfeller Center, a dazzling complex of 19 Art Déco and modern buildings built between 1930 and 1939. Composed of many shops and entertainment venues, the complex spans 22 hectares between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in downtown Manhattan, and also hosts an enormous ice skating rink during the winter months. The famous Statue of Liberty rises 150 feet above Liberty Island in New York Harbour and can be visited when taking a trip on the Staten Island Ferry, or as part of a breathtaking scenic helicopter tour with Liberty Helicopters. Formerly the headquarters of the New York Times, to which it owes its name, the mythical Times Square is the heart of New York’s theatre district and is one of the most famous and busiest squares in the world. Commonly known as the ‘Theatre District’, Broadway centres around Midtown’s Times Square and is filled day and night with camera-bearing tourists, soaring skyscrapers, vibrant neon lights, and breathtaking video projections promoting the latest Broadway shows. Also, make sure to walk across New York's Brooklyn Bridge to enjoy some of the best waterfront views of Manhattan and to experience a taste of New York's vibrant Brooklyn district.

Museums & Art Galleries ...

Featuring one of the largest art collections in the United States, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (known as "The Met") opened to the public in February 20, 1872, and is one of the world’s greatest art museums. Located on the fringe of Manhattan's Central Park, the museum hosts a permanent collection of over 2 million objects which cover a period of over 5,000 years. In the bustling metropolis of Manhattan, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) is one of the world’s most influential institutions, boasting a spectacular collection of modern and contemporary works, from painting, sculpture and photography to design, architecture and film. Dedicated to contemporary international art, the New Museum of Contemporary Art resembles a stack of mis-matched boxes, rising from the heart of the Lower East Side. One of the greatest architectural achievements in New York City, the iconic spiral structure of the Guggenheim is instantly recognisable. Founded in 1937 and located on Fifth Avenue in the Upper East Side, the Guggenheim displays a world-class collection of impressionist, modern and contemporary art. The district of Chelsea has also become a powerhouse of creativity, with a wide selection of contemporary galleries and industrial exhibition spaces. The Chelsea Art District contains the largest concentration of art galleries in the city and is situated between 10th and 11th Avenues, and W20th and W30th streets.

Best Green Spaces

Central Park is a 843-acre luscious green parkland in the heart of New York’s Uptown district, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll, a gourmet picnic on a sunny day, or a romantic carriage ride on a horse and buggy cart as the sun sets. Offering a peaceful, verdant escape in the heart of the city, Central Park also plays host to The Metropolitan Opera's performances under the stars on the Great Lawn during the summer months, and an outdoor ice skating rink during the winter months. The scenic High Line is another picturesque public park in New York which was built along a historic freight rail line. Located on Manhattan's West Side, the High Line walkway and public park spans from Gansevoort Street in the trendy Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues.

Unique Sightseeing Tours ...

A scenic helicopter tour over Manhattan is by far the most spectacular way to see the full aerial perspective of New York's dramatic cityscape, including the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Staten Island, the Empire State Building and Central Park. Enjoy a scenic flight either during the day or during a romantic sunset trip. Another popular sightseeing experience is to take a trip on the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, offering a fantastic way to explore Manhattan’s main 5 districts (boroughs).